Demountable wheeled container for carrier of a sports utility vehicle

ABSTRACT

A wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base. The width of the wheeled container is chosen so that it can be rolled in an inclined or horizontal position through a doorway of a conventional dwelling, and the length is chosen so that, when loaded on the support beam the container does not obscure the tail-lights of the truck.

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.09/128,363 filed Aug. 3, 1998 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,058, whichis a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 08/713,851 filed Sep.13, 1996 to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,135, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 08/611,124 filed Mar. 5,1996 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,126.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a wheeled container secured to a support beamof a cargo carrier which is carried externally at the rear of a vehicle,for example, a pick-up truck, minivan, or sport-utility vehicle,individually and collectively referred to as a “truck” hereafter. Thecontainer may be generally box-shaped, with rigid base, sidewalls and acover which is preferably hinged to one side of the periphery of thetub; or, the container may be a collapsible box-shaped crate, theframework of which supports a box-shaped receptacle (familiarly referredto as a “sack”) of flexible material within which ample storage space isprovided for items not desired inside the vehicle. Used as a container,its tub or sack fully encloses luggage including suitcases, garmentbags, golf bags and the like, and protects the luggage against theelements. Used without the sack, the framework may be used to transporta motor scooter, bicycles, water craft, or other relatively large andheavy items which can be demountably secured to the framework, forexample with “come-alongs”, bunjee cords or other tie-down means.

Numerous solutions to the problem of carrying a large container outsidean automobile or truck, at the rear thereof, have been presented overthe past six decades or so, each solution depending upon the light inwhich the problem was perceived. Moreover, the dimensions of thecontainer were rarely accorded much weight. In the assembly comprising acarrier and container, the structure and weight of the container, andalso its dimensions, are essential considerations. It is also requiredthat the container be removably mounted, in its transport position, inclose proximity to the rear exterior vertical surface of the rear bumperof the vehicle, or the exterior surface of the rear door or hatch,preferably no more than about 15.25 cm (6 inches) therefrom. Use of thecarrier and container on a typical passenger automobile is excludedbecause the support beam is unsuited for such purpose. Examples ofsupport beams are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,620,126; 5,732,866; and5,788,135 the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference theretoas if fully set forth herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a wheeled container is formed as a rigid tub,preferably, provided with a hinged cover, and adapted for use with acargo carrier for a sports utility vehicle. The cargo carrier comprisesa support beam having at least three spaced-apart fastening meansreferred to as attachment latches secured thereto, and at least two ofthe attachment latches are “pivot latches” oppositely disposed andspaced apart along the beam's longitudinal axis (x-axis); fixedlysecured near the rigid base of the container are (i) two oppositelydirected, spaced-apart locking pins protruding longitudinally (along thex-axis) to be matingly received in the pivot latches (first and secondfastening means) when the container is secured to the support beam, (ii)a third fastening means transversely disposed from the locking pins tobe cooperatingly secured to the support beam, and, (iii) coaxiallyspaced-apart wheels fixedly secured near one end of the base to allowthe container to be rolled in an inclined or horizontal attitude; thelocking pins are insertable in the pivot latches from one side of thelongitudinal portion of the support beam only, without lifting saidwheels off the ground, thereafter to enable the container to be pivotedinto a secured position on the support beam which supports the base ofthe container; the container has a width less than that of a doorwaythrough which it is to be rollingly transported in an inclined attitude,and a length less than the spacing of the vehicle's tail lights.

In another embodiment, a collapsible wheeled container is formed bysecuring a receptacle or “sack” of flexible material to a rigidframework which may be collapsed. Preferably the flexible material isalso foldable when the framework is collapsed. The framework includes arigid base and foldable sides, all preferably formed from rigidelongated struts (“frame-struts”), for example of metal angle stock ortubing. The sack, which when fully opened is a generally rectangularparallel-piped, may be secured on and within the inside of the frameworkby attachment means such as strings secured in grommets adapted to betied to the sides of the frames. VELCRO® hook and loop fastener ties,snaps or lacing. Preferably, the sack is provided with a pair of opposeddouble-walled sidewalls which function as rectangular sleeves into whicheach opposed rectangular side-frame is fitted. Access to the containeris provided with a zippered closure flap in a manner analogous to theopening in a backpack. The sack may be removed from the framework whichmay then be used as a dolly. Large items may be mounted on the sacklessframework which in turn, may be pivotably disposed upon and secured to asupport beam carried at the rear of a vehicle. As in the priorembodiment, to secure the wheeled collapsible container easily andquickly to the support beam, it is essential that the base be providedwith locking pins adapted to be matingly locked into the pivot latchescarried by the beam, and a pair of co-axially spaced-apart wheelsfixedly secured near one end of the base to allow the framework to berolled in an inclined attitude.

It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide both, arigid multi-functional container with fixed external dimensions whenplaced in service, which container can be demountably secured to thesupport beam of a cargo carrier by means of pivot pins on thecontainer's base, and mating pivot latches on the support beam; and,when not in service, a collapsible container which can be stored in arelatively small space. When not being transported, the special-purposecontainer may be used solely as such, as a rigid tub with a hinged,lockable lid, or, with its sack always held by the framework. In analternative embodiment of the collapsible container, the sack isremovably disposed on the framework. But in each case, the width of theframework is less than that of a doorway through which it is to berollingly transported in the framework's “opened” position, and thelength of its telescopably opened base is less than the spacing of thetruck's tail-lights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The foregoing and additional objects and advantages of the inventionwill best be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription, accompanied with schematic illustrations of preferredembodiments of the invention, in which illustrations like referencenumerals refer to like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a generally schematic view of the carrier in transportposition, the carrier including a L-shaped frameless rack a wheeledcontainer and an optional T-shaped accessory rack all carried behind a4×4 sports utility vehicle provided with a socket for a trailer hitchfixedly attached to the frame of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a generally schematic view of the container as it rests inposition to be pivoted onto a first embodiment of the rack comprising anintegral planar L-shaped support beam L¹, the beam being connected tothe truck with a shank. If desired, the accessory rack shown inposition, may be positioned before or after the container is positioned.Locking pins on or near the bottom of the tub of the container are heldin a pair of oppositely disposed pivot latches along the longitudinalaxis of the rack so that the container may be pivotably disposed on thelongitudinal strut of L¹.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the L-shaped support beam without the T-shapedaccessory rack showing the use of the two pivot latches and anadditional spaced-apart locking means such as an attachment latch.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the L-shaped support beam shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a detail of a locking pin (shown in phantom outline) in anattachment latch in use as a pivot latch fixedly secured on the uppersurface of a longitudinal strut, with the latch's U-shaped slot openingto one side, the latch in a horizontal position.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a monorail with four attachmentlatches.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the beam in FIG. 6, the beam incross-section, having a container with L-shaped pivot pins being pivotedinto (or out of) the latches on the beam.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the beam in FIG. 6, the beam incross-section, showing how the attachment latches secure the pivot pinsin position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration in perspective view of the frame of acollapsible container with foldable end-frames and a telescopable baseframe, in which the flexible receptacle (sack) is not shown; pivot pinsand a locking pin are secured to the base frame, as is a pair oftelescopable wheels.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration in perspective view showing theframe in FIG. 9 (without the wheels) after the base is telescopedinwardly and the end-frames are not yet folded; an optional base plateadapted to be fitted between the transverse base-frame members, if used,has been removed.

FIG. 11 is a detail showing a pin locking means for the telescopabletubular frame members.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view showing the frame in FIG. 9 in thefully collapsed position in which the end frames are pivotable inwardlyonly at different heights to allow one frame to overlie the other.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the containerwith a first embodiment of a sack of flexible material secured withinthe frame.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the containerwith a second embodiment of a sack of flexible material secured withinthe frame.

FIG. 15 is a detail illustrating a mounting ear at each corner of thebase-frame to matingly receive corner-posts of end-frames, the earhaving through-apertures for pins.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view illustrating a collapsible container,on or within which is fitted a sack having an upper closure flap theperiphery of which has a zipper means near the top to provide accessinto a rectangular compartment.

FIG. 17 is an end elevation view of the container shown in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are side elevation views of a container as shown in FIG.16, fitted with an optional additional pair of casters, illustrating theend-frames being folded onto the base-frame forming a flat assembly.

FIGS. 20-21 are side elevation views illustrating a container with ahinged lid, rectangular end-walls or end-frames and hinged side-walls orside-frames, and showing, in phantom outline, how the end-walls foldinwardly against the base.

FIG. 22 illustrates the relative positioning of the hinges in theside-frames which permit the container to be folded into a compact flatassembly.

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the container shown in FIGS. 20-21after it is folded into a compact assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Numerous suggestions for carrying a container on a support beam havebeen proffered to date, but none for a wheeled container designed andconstructed to allow it (i) to be pre-loaded conveniently, for examplewith luggage, in a room of a house or motel/hotel (referred to as a“dwelling”); (ii) to be wheeled in an inclined or horizontal positionthrough conventional doors of the dwelling (such doors are generallyabout 30 inches or 76 cm wide) to a position near the support beam;then, without lifting the container off the ground, (iii) to be pivotedon cooperating pivot means (fixedly disposed on both the container andthe support beam) to lock the container on the support beam, manually,by a single person of average strength, without using tools. Uponarriving at one's destination dwelling, the person may unload thecontainer by (i) unlocking the locking means and pivoting the containerwithout lifting it off the support beam, so that the wheeled end of thecontainer contacts the ground, then (ii) wheeling the container throughconventional doors into the dwelling so that the luggage is transportedfrom the truck in a single trip. The wheeled container, is specificallydesigned to cooperate with a support beam, so as to permit luggage andgoods to be easily and conveniently transported to a destination, thenwheeled into a dwelling. This avoids leaving the contents of thecontainer unattended outdoors, albeit still within the container whichis typically provided with a lid or cover locked to the body of thecontainer.

Referring to FIG. 1. there is shown a 4×4 sport utility vehicle,indicated generally by reference numeral 10, to which a carrierassembly, indicated generally by reference numeral 20 is removablyattached. Typical of such sport utility vehicles are the ChevroletBlazer the Ford Explorer, and the Nissan Pathfinder. Other suitablevehicles are pick-up trucks such as the Dodge Ram, the Ford F150 and theChevrolet C-1500 or K-1500. Still other suitable vehicles are vans andminivans. The “carrier assembly” 20 refers to a combination of L-shapedsupport beam L, and the wheeled container indicated generally byreference numeral 40, which is secured to the support beam withattachment latches two of which also serve as pivot means. Optionally,for use as a bicycle carrier, ski support beam and the like, a removablymounted, accessory support beam 50 of arbitrary construction, preferablyhaving a vertical T-shape, with appropriate accessory suspension means,is provided.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown one embodiment of an L-shapedsupport beam L¹ comprising struts 32 and 33, removably connected to thetruck's frame 12 with a short connection stub or shank 34 and thewheeled container 40 which, in the embodiment shown, can only be loadedonto L1 in the direction of the arrow D, that is, from the right handside (the passenger's side) of the truck.

The carrier assembly 20 comprises the L-shaped support beam L¹ and thecontainer 40 having a tub 41 of specified critical volume in the rangeset forth above, the tub being provided with a lid 42, preferablyhinged. The tub 41 is generally a parallelpiped and the hinged lid 42 ispreferably provided with a hasp 43 to lock the container. The containercan only be loaded or unloaded from the top when the lid is in theupright position. If loaded with suitcases, plural suitcases may beganged, positioned so that handles of the suitcases are uppermost. Atypical suitcase (not shown) is loaded with its longer dimension alongthe x-axis so that the depth of the tub is from 10% to 50% greater thanthe height of the suitcase placed within the tub, but the depth is suchthat the height “h” of the container 40 with the lid 42 closed, ispreferably no greater than the distance of the lower edge 15 of therear, window 16 from the upper surface of L¹. The width of the tub(measured along the longitudinal x-axis) is typically at least as wideas the longest dimension of a typical suitcase. The length of the tub(measured along the y-axis) is less than the distance between the inneredges of the rear tail-lights 14 (only one of which is shown), so thetail-lights are visible from the rear when the container is on thesupport beam. It will now be evident that tub 41 will be longer than itis wide, and its width is limited by the width of a doorway throughwhich the container is to be wheeled. Of course smaller containers maybe constructed if the use of the maximum volume afforded by thedimensions of the rear of the vehicle is not needed.

Though a tub of conventional construction may be used, in one preferredembodiment, the tub has no planar framework either internally orexternally (hence “frameless tub”) to support the load carried in it,and when transported on the truck, the tub is preferably secured with apair of attachment latches in addition to the pair of pivot latches. Thecontainer may be loaded indoors with so much luggage that the containercannot be lifted off the ground by only one person; thus, goodsincluding luggage, may be conveniently arranged within the tub with duecare while indoors, irrespective of weather conditions outdoors, so thatoptimum packing is achieved for the travel conditions expected, and thecontainer may then be wheeled outdoors through the doorways.

Such containers are commercially available either formed from GFRplastic, or of thermoformed acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”)copolymer. For optimum rigidity and light weight the container may bemade of a suitable synthetic resin reinforced with whiskered carbonfibers using technology conventionally used in the fabrication of golfclubs, tennis support rackets and certain military aircraft. Casters 44,preferably solid rubber wheels, are provided along a common longitudinalaxis, directly or indirectly secured to the tub, preferably on an axledisposed near one end of the base, near opposed lower corners of the tubnear its one end. Preferably, the wheels are disposed exteriorly of thebase and end-walls without being recessed therein. The manner in whichthe wheels 44 are fixedly attached to the tub 41 is not critical but foroptimum adjustability, namely to minimize the vertical distance throughwhich the tub is to be pivoted onto the longitudinal strut 32, it ispreferred to use telescopable wheels. At its other end, the tub 41 isprovided with a handle 45 with which sufficient force is applied torotate the container in a vertical plane at right angles to thelongitudinal axis, onto the support beam.

The container 40 typically has a rigid unitary body with an internalvolume in the range from about 10 ft³ (cubic feet) to 30 ft³ and is toolarge to be carried exteriorly of a conventional automobile; and, if thecontainer is used for its intended purpose as described herein, theloaded container transported on an automobile would adversely influencethe normal operation and handling of the automobile.

The tub 41 has substantially vertical walls and an integrally formed,generally planar base 47, preferably of glass fiber reinforced (“GFR”)synthetic resinous (plastic) material, a metal composite or aluminum.Alternatively, the tub may be formed from a substantially rigidunreinforced plastic material. By “substantially rigid” is meant thatthe tub, upside down, can support a load of about 300 lb (136 Kg), orthe weight of two average persons standing or sitting on the tub'splanar base with no readily visible deflection of the base or walls. Thetub is preferably rigid enough to be supported on its locking pinswithout also supporting the lower surface of its planar base, though, tominimize stresses on the base, it is preferred to support the planarbase when the locking pins are secured in their attachment latches. Apreferred container is 117 cm long×68 cm wide×71 cm deep (46″×27″×28″)and has an interior volume sufficient to carry plural suitcases and/orother personal effects, such as hiking or biking gear (collectivelyreferred to as “luggage” hereafter), which would not only occupy toomuch space if stored within the vehicle, but would also be required tobe handled individually for loading and unloading into the truck. Asuitable tub for a container is commercially available from Better WayProducts Inc., New Paris, Ind. 46553.

When the wheeled container 40 is positioned on L¹, the container'slength (longest dimension) lies on strut 33 along the transverse y-axis;its width lies on strut 32 along the longitudinal x-axis; and its depthlies along the z-axis. The wheeled container 40 can be rolled along theground in an inclined position, preferably on a pair of wheels 44mounted, optionally vertically telescopably, one on each side, near eachlower corner at one end of the container's base.

Positioned about midway between the handle 45 and the common axis of thewheels 44 are oppositely disposed, substantially co-axial pivot lockingpins 61, 62 which are matingly received in pivot latch means 71 and 72when the tub is wheeled against the longitudinal strut 32, withoutlifting the wheels off the ground. The distance of the mounting axis ofthe pivot pins 61, 62 from the axis of the wheels is therefore at leastthe same as the height at which the pivot latches 71, 72 are mounted.The locking pins are located along an axis above the coaxial wheels, ata distance which is at least the distance of the pivot latches above theground upon which the wheels rest. The locking pins 61, 62 and 63 aretypically in the range from about 0.65 cm to about 1.6 cm in diameter,about 1.25 cm being preferred; and in the range from about 2.5 cm toabout 7.5 cm long, about 5 cm being preferred. Such pins areconveniently provided on small laminar pads which are fixedly secured tothe base. Pads may be in the range from about 2.5 cm×2.5 cm to about 10cm×10 cm, about 5 cm×5 cm being preferred. The thickness of a pad 65secured to the base preferably corresponds to the diameter of the pin,the pin projecting from the edge of the pad as shown in FIG. 2. Pads maybe secured to the side-walls of the tub, near the base, if the height ofthe slots in the pivot latches dictates. Pads secured to the sidewallsof the tub, adjacent the base, will have pins projecting at right anglesto the surface of the pad secured to the sidewall. Most preferably, thelocking pins 61 and 62 are provided on the ends of a rigid strap 64fixedly secured to the base, which strap locates these pins accurately.The pads and/or strap may be secured to the base with adhesive or with afastener which is inserted through the base.

The container 40 is secured on the support beam L¹ with at least twolongitudinally (x-axis) opposed mating attachment means, and preferablythree, fixed on the tub and support beam, and two of the attachmentmeans are pivot means. At each location, the upper portion of thelocking means is fixed on the tub's side-wall just above the tub'splanar base 47, but more preferably, is fixed to its base, and the lowerportion is fixed to the struts of the support beam. The upper portioncomprises the two spaced apart, opposed mating pivotable portions, suchas locking pins 61 and 62, each of which is matingly held in a pair ofspaced-apart pivot latch means, namely container pivot latches 71 and 72respectively. The spacing of the pivot latches corresponds to the widthof the base of the tub, and is typically slightly greater than the widthso as to allow the tub to be pivotably located between the two pivotlatches. Preferably the upper portion comprises a third locking pin 63to be matingly held in a third container attachment latch 73.Alternatively, a hasp may be used, one portion of the hasp secured tothe tub 41 and the other to the strut 33; or, a clevis through the upperportion of which a bolt is secured. As will be evident, for safety, thetub preferably carries, fixed securely thereto, the upper portion of amating locking means, and the lower portion is positioned on strut 33,preferably near the end thereof. The particular fastening means used isnot narrowly critical being chosen for conveniently securing thecontainer on the transverse strut 33.

The locking means locks the container at two oppositely disposedpositions in the mid-portion of the base, preferably near thelongitudinal mid-line (x-axis) of the tub, and at a third position nearthe end of a transverse (y-axis) strut of the support beam so that thetub is supported for transport along one edge of its planar base, andacross its mid-line, only. The mid-line refers to a line drawn along thex-axis near or through a line dividing the planar bottom in halves. Thetub is provided with a handle 45 to pull or push the container, and toexert the force necessary to pivot the container onto the support beam.It will be evident that the force required to pivot the container aboutthe longitudinal strut of the support beam is a function of the distancefrom the handle to the mid-line along which the locking pins arelocated. The greater this distance from handle to mid-line, the less theforce required. But the distance from the mid-line to the axis of thewheels on the bottom of the container determines whether the lockingpins can be inserted in the pivot latches on the longitudinal strutwithout lifting the container off the ground. With verticallytelescopable wheels, the locking pins on the tub can be positioned sothat the pins may be inserted in the pivot latches, and the tub pivotedinto position with a minimum of force.

Reverting to FIG. 2, the socket 11 typically has a square cross-sectionin which the hollow square tubular interior measures about 5.1 cm×5.1 cm(2″×2″) which is just large enough to slidably receive the squaretubular shank 34. The overlying support beam 32 is preferably also about2″×2″. Near one end of the support beam 32, which end is distallydisposed relative to tubular socket 11 fixedly secured to the frame 12of the vehicle, is provided a vertical mounting stub 51 of rectangulartubular steel into which the accessory support beam 50 may be removablyslidably disposed. Near the other end of support beam 32, the tubularshank 34 slides into the rectangular tubular steel socket 11. Thesupport beam 32 is at least as long as the planar base 47 is wide, andthe forward edge of the base is generally parallel to, and in closeproximity with the bumper.

As shown in FIG. 2, the accessory support beam 50 comprises a verticaltubular post 54, preferably of rectangular stock into the base of which,stub 51 is insertable, and the base is provided with matching passages(not shown) to allow fastening pins to be inserted through the passageswhen aligned with passages 52 and 53 in the stub 51. The top of the post54 is secured to a cross-member 55 on which connecting means foraccessories, such as suspension hooks 56 (shown), or clamps for skis,are provided for carrying the particular accessory. The simpleconstruction of the accessory T-support beam lends itself exceptionallywell to be combined with the support beam of this invention.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, L¹ is an integral support beamhaving only a longitudinally (x-axis) extending strut 32 and atransversely (y-axis) extending strut 33. By “integral” is meant thatthe struts of L¹ are fixedly secured, for example, by being welded. Ifdesired, the support beam may have a pivotable strut as shown in the'126 patent; a telescopable beam as shown in the '866 patent; or amonorail as shown in the '135 patent.

As shown in FIG. 2, the accessory carrier 50 comprises a verticaltubular post 54, preferably of rectangular stock into the base of whichstub 51 is insertable and the base is provided with matching passages(not shown) to allow fastening pins to be inserted through the passageswhen aligned with passages 52 and 53 in the stub 51. The top of the post54 is secured to a cross-member 55 on which connecting means foraccessories, such as suspension hooks 56 (shown), or clamps for skis,are provided for carrying the particular accessory.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tubular socket 11 and shank 34 are eachprovided with matching through-passages 13 and 35 respectively,preferably in the transverse direction, through which a cross-bolt orfastening pin is to be inserted and secured in the usual manner with alocking Cotter pin (not shown). The socket 11 typically has a squarecross-section in which the hollow square tubular interior measures about2″×2″ which is just large enough to slidably receive a square tubularshank 34. It is essential that each latching means be an attachmentmeans to both, receive a locking pin, then secure it; and, that thelocking pin be pivotable (hence “pivot pin”) in two of the latchingmeans (“pivot-latches”) which are spaced-apart on the longitudinal strutof the rack. Thus two spaced-apart pivot latches 71 and 72, and morepreferably a third attachment latch 73, are provided on the supportbeam, preferably by welding them in positions so as to each matinglyreceive a pivot pin and a locking pin introduced in the desireddirection whether vertically or horizontally. Most preferred latchingmeans is one such as pivot latch 71 commonly referred to as an“attachment latch” shown in greater detail in FIG. 5A, as viewed in thedirection A—A in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a side elevation view of L¹ in whichonly two pivot latches 71 and 72 are used. The third fastening means onthe strut 33 may be provided by a bungee cord around the container andthe strut. Preferably, the third fastening means is an attachment latch73. If accessory rack 50 is to be mounted, a stub 51 is provided with apair of vertically spaced apart matching through-passages 52 and 53respectively, preferably in the transverse direction, through each ofwhich a fastening pin is to be inserted and secured in the usual mannerwith a locking Cotter pin (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 5, pivot latch 71 comprises a laminar plate 74 havinga horizontal, generally U-shaped slot 75 with one of its sides (theupper) flared upward to facilitate guiding a locking pin 61 into it. Thelocking pin 61, shown in phantom outline, is releasably held in theU-shaped slot by a pivotable catch 76, such as either a manuallyactuated, or a spring-loaded pawl having a hooked end 77 which fits overthe locking pin 61. In the manual mode, the catch 76 is pivotable on apin 69 about an axis at right angles to the plate 74 with a handle 78secured to the catch at the end of which handle a ball 79 providesenough weight to hold the catch 76 in position over the locking pin 61.Alternately, the hooked end 75 may be held in place over the pin 61 witha safety pin (not shown). The handle 78 is typically welded to catch 76at a location which does not interfere with insertion and release of thelocking pin in the slot. As shown, pivot latch 71 is fixed to strut 32so that both the catch 76 and the handle 78 are on the outside of plate74 so as to allow the tub 41 of the container 40 to be slid between theplates of the latches 71 and 72. Pivot latch 72, constructed in the samemanner as pivot latch 71, is similarly fixed to strut 32, with theU-shaped slot 75 in the horizontal position, and its handle 78 on theoutside of plate 74. The tub 41 may therefore be received between theopposed plates 74 of pivot latches 71 and 72.

As shown in FIG. 3, a third latch, attachment latch 73, constructed inthe same manner as pivot latches 71 and 72, is similarly fixed to strut32, at the end thereof, except that the U-shaped slot 75 is in thevertical position, shown in the detail schematic illustration FIG. 6,open at the top to accept a locking pin lowered into the opening, and asbefore, both the catch 76 and handle 78 are on the outside of plate 74.The distance along the strut 33 at which attachment latch 73 is locatedis not narrowly critical, being chosen so as to matingly receive lockingpin 63 located near the end of the base. The orientation of the U-shapedslots in latches 71, 72 and 73 is likewise not narrowly critical, andmay be in either the horizontal or vertical position, but for safety, atleast one, and preferably all three of the latches used on the U-shapedsupport beam should be positioned with the U-shaped slot in an upwardlyinclined, preferably vertical, position as shown in FIG. 2, to ensurethat the container 40 is securely and safely held in position.

It will now be evident that if the L-shaped support beam was constructedand mounted in mirror-image relationship with the beam illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the pivot latches would be secured on the driver's sideand the container could be loaded from that side only.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate a monorail support beam comprising an outersupport beam 82 and an inner slider shank 84. Here it is preferred touse a metal plate 48 on the bottom of the tub, with four locking pins(only pins 92 and 93 are visible) which may be the same or different, tobe received in two pivot latches 71, 72 and two attachment latches 73,73′ respectively as shown in FIG. 6. Most preferably, the pins 91 and 92which are received in the pivot latches 71 and 72 on one side of thebeam 82, are the same; and pins 93 and 94 which are received in theattachment latches 73 and 73′ on the opposed side of beam 92, are thesame, the geometry of the pins depending upon the position and shape ofthe latches. Once the side for securing the pivot latches is chosen, thecontainer may be loaded and unloaded from that side only.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, L-shaped locking pins 92, 93 are so positionedon metal base plate 48 (preferably by welding) secured to the base 47 ofthe tub, as to allow the base plate 48 to rest on the support beam 82.In view of the particular pin configuration shown in FIG. 7, it will beseen that various other pin configurations will permit the base plate 48to rest in contact with the upper surface of support beam 82. As shownin FIG. 6 locking pins are provided in the ‘near’ (relative to theloading direction) half of the tub's base so that when held in pivotlatches 71 and 72 on support beam 82, the beam extends longitudinallyacross the base plate. The container is thus supported only on thesupport beam 82, the container held in the pivot latches 71, 72 andattachment latches 73, 73′ by catches 76 (shown in FIG. 8, but not shownin FIG. 7 to avoid crowding in the Fig and confusion).

As shown, the attachment latches 73, 73′ are constructed in the samemanner as pivot latches 71 and 72, and similarly fixed to support beam82, opposite pivot latches 71, 72 except that the U-shaped slot 75 is inthe vertical position, open at the top to matingly receive locking pin63 lowered into the opening, and as before, both the catch 76 and handle78 are on the outside of plate 74. After the tub is pivotedly loaded(with locking pins 61 and 62 in pivot latches 71 and 72) onto thesupport beam, pin 63 is secured in attachment latch 73 which, assituated, provides no pivotability. The orientation of the U-shapedslots in latches 71, 72 and 73 is not narrowly critical, and may be ineither the horizontal or vertical position, but for safety theattachment latch 73 is positioned with its U-shaped slot in an upwardlyinclined, preferably vertical, position as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 toensure that the container 40 is securely held.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a construction with fourU-channel-shaped channel-members 101, 102, 111 and 112 which provide acollapsible framework 100 for a container, the framework comprising atelescopable rectangular base-frame including a pair of basechannel-members 101 and 102 the ends of one (102, shown) being slidablyreceived in the ends of the other. When in the fully open position thelength of the base-frame (in the transverse direction, when mounted on asupport beam) is less than the distance between tail-lights. A pair ofoppositely disposed pivot pins 103, 104 and a locking pin 105 areprovided on base channel-member 101, the pins positioned to be receivedin cooperating pivot and attachment latches respectively on the supportbeam. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the base-frame is locked in the openposition with locking pins inserted through aligned apertures 106 nearthe ends of the channel-members. For economy, it is preferred that angleiron, or rectangular metal tubing, whether rectangular or round, be usedfor all frame-struts. A pair of vertically telescopable wheels 107 forrotation about a common axis, are mounted on telescopable mounting tubes108 secured to the base-frame near one end of channel-member 101. Thewheels may be mounted without being telescopable, but for ease andconvenience to accommodate differences in height of the support beam asa function of the terrain on which the vehicle is stopped, telescopablewheels are preferred.

At the corners of each of the base channel-members 101 and 102 areprovided opposed pairs of vertical mounting ears 113, 114, to each ofwhich is pivotably secured one end of a pair of U-shaped (inverted)channel-members 111 and 112, which when mounted, form rectangularend-frames. The end-frames are not interconnected by side-frames. Theears are preferably welded to the sides of the frame struts of the basechannel-members 101 and 102 so as to form a confined rectangular spaceon the base-frame, within which space a planar base member (not shown)may be disposed, if desired, to provide additional support for goodscarried by the frame and to distribute the weight of the goods moreevenly over the base-frame. As illustrated in FIG. 15, to be locked inthe vertical position, each mounting ear 113 and 114 is provided with astub-pivot-pin 115 and a locking-pin 116 inserted through verticallyspaced apart locking-pin-passages 118 and pivot-pin-passages 117, whichreceive locking-pins and stub-pivot-pins respectively. To be inwardlycollapsed, enough clearance is provided between the bottom of eachvertical frame-strut and the connecting base-frame strut.

Referring to FIG. 10, the base-frame is shown (without the wheels) in aclosed position with the arms of channel-member 102 telescoped withinthe arms of channel-member 101, before the end-frames 111, 112 arefolded.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, which shows the base-frame in a closedposition, mounting ears 113 are shorter than ears 114 and thepivot-pin-passages 117 for the pins through channel-member 112 arerelatively closer to the base-frame than are the pivot-pin-passages inears 114, the latter being above the height of channel member 112 in thefolded-down position. Thus when channel-member 112 is pivoted andlowered onto the base-frame, channel-member 112 may be folded down tooverlie the upper surface of channel-member 112. Though the heights ofthe end-frames is the same, as will be evident, the length of each armof channel-member 111 will be less than the length of the closedbase-frame.

Referring to FIGS. 13, 16 and 17 there is illustrated a containergenerally (shown without its wheels) indicated by reference numeral 200,comprising a frame-work 210 within which is held a sack 220. When thesack is distended, it has a generally rectangular cross-section withend-walls 225, 226 (not visible) which are narrower than its side-walls227, 228 (not visible). The construction of the sack is preferably ofwater-resistant or water-impervious material, preferably afiber-reinforced synthetic resinous material or canvas which isfoldable. Each side-wall is provided with a sleeve 229, open at its topand bottom, formed by securing the ends of a wide strap of material nearopposed vertical edges of the container. Each channel-member 211 and 212is snugly received in the sleeves 229 so formed. The base of the sack isthus extended between the channel-members 211 and 212, and the edges ofthe base are supported on base-frame 201, thus providing a rectangularcompartment into which luggage or other goods may be stored. Access isprovided through the top of the sack which is opened and closed by aslide fastener extending around the side-walls of the sack. Thechannel-members are pivotable mounted on mounting ears 213, 214 andinwardly foldable on a rectangular base-frame 201 which, in thisembodiment shown, does not have telescopable side-struts. As before, thebase-frame 201 is provided with a pair of pivot pins 103, 104 (notvisible) and a locking pin 105, but the wheels 107 are shown withouttelescopable mounting tubes.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, to fold the end-frames flat onto thebase-frame, the transverse length of the base-frame (along the y-axis,when mounted) is at least equal to the combined lengths ofchannel-members 211 and 212 in their folded-down position, andpreferably from about 1% to 10% greater. If the combined lengths isgreater than the length of the base-frame, one end of one of theend-frames will overlap the other. If a planar base is inserted betweenthe end-frames to rest on the base-frame, the sack 220 is supported onthe planar base. The sack 220 is provided with a closure flap 221 whichwhen open, provides access to the interior. The configuration of theopening, to provide access to the interior of the sack, is not narrowlycritical so long as the container when closed provides adequateprotection for its contents against the weather, and preferably allowsthe opening to be locked. In addition to the pivot pins 103, and theopposite pivot pin (not shown), locking pin 105, and pair of wheels 107,the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 includes a second pair of casters 207 tofacilitate transport of the container in a horizontal position.

The closure flap 221 covers an opening defined by parallel spaced apartdividing lines 222, 223 in the planar top portion of the closure flap,the dividing lines continuing to form a U-shaped outline 224 in thefront side-wall 227 so that the matching edges of flap and opening maybe closed and opened by a slide fastener, for example zippers withgripping-tabs having locking-holes in them to enable them to be lockedtogether. Preferably, the corners of the sack as well as the opposededges of its base are provided with securing means S, such ascooperating Velcro strips, or tie-strings secured in grommets, adaptedto be tied to the sides of the frames.

Illustrated in FIG. 14 is another embodiment of a sack 230 showing arectangular closure flap 234 with a slide fastener in side-wall 237 toavoid having a zippered portion in the upper wall of the sack.Extensions of upper portions of the side-walls 235, 236 (not visible)may be folded over and secured along the sides, for example by sewing orheat-sealing, to form sleeves 239, closed at their top and open at theirbottom, into which each channel-member 211 and 212 is snugly received.

In each of the embodiments above, the upper struts of the end-framesprovide adequate purchase to allow the container to be gripped andmoved. However, if desired, additional handle means may be provided atthe end distally disposed relative to the wheels 107.

Referring to FIGS. 20-23, there is shown an embodiment of a container(the sack secured within is not shown) indicated generally by referencenumeral 300 having a base-frame 301, and rectangular U-shaped (inverted)end-frames and side-frames. End-frames are formed when end-channelmembers 335 and 336 are secured to the base-frame; and the side-framesare formed when side-channel members 337, 338 are secured to thebase-frame. Each channel member is constructed with rigid metal tubing,preferably of rectangular or square cross-section. As before, thebase-frame is provided with a pair of wheels 107, opposed pivot pins103, 104 and a locking pin 105.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, arms of each end-channel member 335, 336 arepivotably secured at their lower ends to opposed ends of the base-frameto permit the end-frames to be folded inward and downward, as shown inphantom outline, onto the base-frame. Raised into a vertical positionand locked therein, each end-frames provides a rigid frame against whichthe side-channel members 337, 338 are braced so that hinges H1-H4 intheir arms are locked in their open positions. In this verticalposition, the end-frames and front and rear side-frames form arectangular compartment into which a sack may be secured, e.g. withVelcro strips spaced apart along the sacks external edges.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, arms of each side-channel member are hingedto be pivoted about two vertically spaced-apart transverse axes (y-axis,when the container is viewed in a mounted position). As shown, each armof side-channel member 337 is hinged near opposed corners of base-frame301 with hinge means H1, to be pivotable inward and downward so thatlower segment 337 a is folded onto the base-frame; each arm is alsohinged at an intermediate location with hinge means H2 between the arm'supper and lower ends, to be pivotable inwards and downward so that uppersegment 337 b may be folded onto segment 337 a. Each arm of side-channelmember 338 is hinged above opposed corners of base-frame 301 with hingemeans H3, the height of the hinge axis being chosen so that segment 338a is pivotable inward and downward to overlie folded-down segment 337 b;the arms are also hinged at another intermediate location with hingemeans H4 between hinge means H3 and the arm's upper end, to be pivotableinwards and downward so that upper segment 338 b may be folded ontosegment 338 a. As in the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 18, the combinedlength of the end-frames 335, 336 is preferably no greater than thelength of the base frame 301; if the combined length is greater, the endof one end-frame will overlap the other and the collapsed framework willbe less compact than it would be if the combined lengths was slightlyless.

A cover-frame or “lid” is provided by another rectangular U-shaped(inverted) lid-channel member 341 having arms hingedly connected to theperiphery of the rear doubly-hinged side-frame, and specifically to theupper ends of segment 338 b with hinge means H5 so that the lid can reston the upper periphery of endframes 335, 336 and side-frames 337, 338.The lid is covered, preferably sheathed, in a sleeve of the sameflexible material used to make the sack. Since the framework provides alid, the sack itself need not have a cover over its upper opening.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, when the end-frames 335, 336 and side-frames337, 338 are folded down, the lid overlies segment 338 b and forms acompact conveniently-stored assembly.

To avoid using a sack, each of the end-frames, each segment of theside-frames, and, the lid may each be made from planar sheets of tough,preferably substantially rigid material, most preferably glass fiberreinforced panels of synthetic resinous material, to form a box withinwardly collapsible sides. Each of the hinges H1-H5 is preferably apiano hinge which extends the transverse width of each side-frame.

Having thus provided a general discussion, described the special-purposecontainer in detail and illustrated it with specific examples of thebest mode of making it, it will be evident that the invention hasprovided an effective solution to a specific problem. It is therefore tobe understood that no undue restrictions are to be imposed by reason ofthe specific embodiments illustrated and discussed, and particularlythat the invention is not restricted to a slavish adherence to thedetails set forth herein.

I claim:
 1. In a wheeled container adapted for use in a cargo carrierfor a vehicle having a rear which includes spaced-apart tail lights, thecargo carrier comprising a support beam having at least three spacedapart fastening means secured thereto, two of the at least threefastening means including first and second pivot latch means spacedapart along the longitudinal axis of the beam, the container comprising,a collapsible container having fixedly secured thereto, (i) twooppositely directed, spaced-apart first and second locking pins to bematingly received in the first and second pivot latch meansrespectively, the locking pins protruding longitudinally, and, (ii)coaxially spaced-apart wheels fixedly secured near one end of thecontainer's base to allow the container to be rolled; the first andsecond locking pins being insertable in the pivot latch means from oneside of the longitudinal strut without lifting the wheels off theground, thereafter to enable the container to be pivoted into a securedposition on the support beam; a third fastening means of the at leastthree spaced apart fastening means, adapted to cooperate with attachmentmeans on the container; the collapsible container having a width lessthan that of a doorway through which it is to be rollingly transported,and a length less than the spacing of the vehicle's tail lights; theimprovement comprising, the collapsible container including acollapsible rectangular framework comprising, only one pair of opposedfirst and second U-shaped end-channel members forming end-frames ofinterconnected rigid struts, and a rigid base-frame; the rigidbase-frame comprising a pair of U-shaped base channel-members, the endsof one base channel-member being insertable in the ends of the other,the base channel-members being telescopable in the lateral plane to formrigid struts interconnecting the end-frames; the first and secondend-channel members being swingable from an upright position relative tothe base-frame; and, a generally rectangular sack of flexible materialsecured to the framework, the sack having front and rear side-walls andend-walls.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the sack has a sleeve oneach end-wall, exteriorly thereof, within which sleeve the end-framesare sheathed.
 3. The container of claim 1 the sack has a cover flap andclosure means to close the flap.